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Back on Feb 1, I did a post about our family pet, Harry. Wow, have we had our ups and downs since then.

As mentioned before, Harry seems to have an acquired brain injury – most likely a tumour, the only sure way to tell is a CT scan and while we live a full life, we really don’t have the spare cash to spend on a scan that might give a diagnosis, especially as a cure is unlikely.

On top of his brain issues, as the weather has gotten cooler it seems that our poor baby has been beaten rather savagely with the arthritis stick. Of course the symptoms didn’t present as normal at the start, it looked like he had a gut issue. After a full set of blood work and an ultrasound we found that all his organs are functioning well, but he has arthritis around his hindquarters.

So we move forward and treat the symptoms. This involved trialling drugs to find what would help him, some are not all that good to be on long term, but it was a case of make our pet comfortable, then worry about the long term. I asked about using essential oils as part of this process, while the vet didn’t say no, he said he had no expertise in that area (give him credit, he didn’t actually roll his eyes at me).

As I believe that there is more to using essential oils for health support than just how nice they smell I did some research and found Dr Roark and asked for some help.

Unfortunately between Feb and May 1 Harry’s symptoms progressed rapidly. So rapidly that on May 1 the vet told us our beloved 14yo dog was palliative. That they would be there for us, we just had to call. We would know when the time was right to euthanise.

The week starting 8 May I called the vet, twice, for some advice on his arthritis. Unfortunately the vet did not return my calls. I was beside myself. We had finally hit on a drug regime that was supporting his brain issues/anxiety/dementia but he was whimpering from arthritis pain. Was that time here?

On the way home from work an ad came on the radio for a holistic vet. I called and made an appointment, I wasn’t convinced that we had to ‘make the call’ on Harry just yet, but was also feeling disappointed that the promised support did not include a return phone call (even if it was to say we have to see you again).

Dr Boersma and his team have been amazing. We have utilised pharmaceutical drug therapy, traditional herbal therapy, PEMF and massage with essential oils.

While we accept that our baby is 14yo and is in his twilight years, however, we are not sitting here wondering if we need to euthanise our baby. He still has his bad days, I can tell when snow is on the way by how uncomfortable Harry is, but I can also help him and I’m not frowned upon by his healthcare provider for wanting to explore alternative therapies.

Exploring home after a visit to the groomers today

So, if you have a pet dog who is also in need of joint pain support, don’t dismiss the ‘hippy’ treatments. Ok, so massaging essential oils does mean that my cute fluffy white dog, becomes a cute oily white dog but the difference to his levels of comfort are noticeable and encouraging.

Dr Roark suggested I try massaging with a 3-4% dilution of doTERRA’s massage blend (Aroma Touch) and for pain relief to use diluted Lemongrass. Both Dr Roark and Dr Boersma also suggested Frankincense for supporting his brain issues.

What I have noticed with the massage is – it works! I’ve tried a straight massage and while that makes Harry happy at the time, when I stop he returns to his pacing and inability to settle. When I massage with the oils the relief is noticeable. Within 5 minutes he can settle, he lies down and has a nap.

Just had a massage and I’m ready for a nap. Take away that camera and leave me to sleep please.

I have also noticed that a fatty growth he has on his neck has reduced. Yes, it is just a fatty growth, a needle biopsy was done by the first vet. I suspect that the Frankincense may be a contributor to it’s reduction, as it’s nearest to where I rub that oil.